Catch limits increase for key West Coast groundfish species

Safety assessment planned following drownings

The Manitoba government will conduct an assessment of high-risk trails and areas in its parks system following the drownings of two siblings at Nutimik Lake in the Whiteshell.

Environment Minister Mike Moyes has ordered his department to identify high-risk areas after Maximo Au Ramirez, 10, slipped on rocks near Sturgeon Falls and fell in the lake Saturday. His brother, Aaron Au Ramirez, 13, went in to try to save him.

The body of Aaron was recovered Thursday evening, 24 hours after his brother’s body was found Wednesday.

“We have a lot of beautiful parks and spaces, but to flag any areas that could need greater improvements for safety, and so we’re going to take a really comprehensive approach to ensuring that Manitobans can enjoy nature, but do it in a way that’s safe,” Moyes said Thursday.

Firefighter accused of violating protection order jailed for past harassment

A Winnipeg firefighter accused of violating a protection order this week has been jailed two times in the past decade for criminally harassing two different women, court records show.

In each case, Christopher Goethals was allowed to return to his job with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

Goethals, 59, was arrested July 21 after breaching a protection order requiring he not come within 200 metres of a named protected person, police said.

Police allege Goethals was in full uniform and on “modified duties” driving a WFPS fleet vehicle at the time of the offence.

Spike in safety concerns doesn’t feel like harm reduction

It’s after dinner when a couple of young boys appear on my porch. I recognize them from the neighbourhood, but they’re not here to ask my kids to come out for a game of basketball. Instead, one asks, “Is it OK to come in for a little bit. There’s a guy out there and he’s scaring us.”

Outreach group addresses safety concerns over Osborne Village drop-in centre

An outreach organization at the centre of growing concerns over safety in Osborne Village says it is taking steps to improve conditions around its drop-in centre and reaffirming its commitment to the neighbourhood.

“We recognize the concerns raised about the activity around our… drop-in site and understand the importance of maintaining a safe and welcoming neighbourhood for everyone including residents, families, local businesses and the people who access our services,” 1JustCity, which operates the drop-in Oak Table, said in a statement issued late Wednesday.

The organization said it is increasing staff presence, conducting regular patrols, expanding outreach efforts and extending Oak Table’s hours to provide more supervised indoor space, meals and access to supports, while continuing to monitor the surrounding neighbourhood and encourage respectful use of public spaces.

The province is also providing the organization with $500,000 to expand Oak Table’s hours and launch a new outreach team.

Winnipeg Fringe Festival: 2026 show reviews

Not sure what to see at this year's Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival? All of the Free Press’s reviews will be published here.  Find a show and click to read its review.

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Sagittarius.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

This is a lovely, romantic day. In particular, it’s the perfect day to tell someone how much you care for them. This might be a family member or someone who lives with you. It might be a co-worker and of course, it could be a romantic interest.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)